About 3 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are diagnosed with cancer every day. Indigenous Australians have a slightly lower rate of cancer diagnosis but are almost 30 per cent more likely to die from cancer than non-Indigenous Australians1.

Cancer Australia is committed to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to reduce the impact of cancer on Indigenous Australians.

Our work includes:

raising awareness of risk factors and promoting awareness and early detection for the community

developing evidence-based information and resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by cancer and health professionals

1Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2014. Cancer in Australia: an overview 2014. Cancer series No 90. Cat. no. CAN 88. Canberra: AIHW.

Our Journeys

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The artwork ‘Our Journeys’ represents the experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer. The white dots are the journey of each individual; the patterned areas are the different landscapes and regions of Australia; and the colours are the different cancer types. Cancer Australia, as the leading agency shaping cancer control in Australia, is depicted by the central ochre meeting place which draws stakeholders together to share ways to improve cancer outcomes. The kangaroo prints and the fish leading to and from the meeting place represent the flow of information and engagement between Cancer Australia and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

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About Cancer Australia

Cancer Australia was established by the Australian Government in 2006 to benefit all Australians affected by cancer, and their families and carers. Cancer Australia aims to reduce the impact of cancer, address disparities and improve outcomes for people affected by cancer by leading and coordinating national, evidence-based interventions across the continuum of care.